Final draft ICT charter in

The charter is now there for her consideration and publication as a sector Code of Good Practice, the ICT charter steering committee said.

The committee expects the final charter will be in operation by the second half of 2005.

The ICT steering committee, chaired by Joe Mjwara - a deputy director general at the communications department, noted that the hand-over brings to an end a process that has lasted over two years.

Mjwara told reporters that Matsepe-Casaburri said it would take "another two to three weeks" before the black economic empowerment (BEE) charter progresses to the next stage.

The BEE Council, whose composition will be approved by the minister, will have more than 20 members and will consist of three representatives from each sub-sector including those from the government, telecommunications, labour and broadcasting.

The sixth and final draft document draws from the Codes of Good Practice currently being finalised by the Department of Trade and Industry - which is responsible for BEE processes on behalf of the government.